TSA extends associates education program to all 50 states

The Transportation Security Administration expanded its TSA Associates Program that allows Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) to advance their education and career development in the field of homeland security, to local community colleges in all 50 states.

The TSA Associates Program, launched in 2008 in partnership with local community colleges, provides the agency’s frontline workforce with the opportunity to receive a TSA Certificate of Achievement as well as pursue an associate’s degree in homeland security. More than 2,500 officers at airports across the country have enrolled since the program’s inception, the agency said on Feb. 24 .

The program holds classes at or near airports, said TSA, to allow more convenience for its TSOs. Today, the program is represented by employees in all 50 states and there are more than 70 airports with over 60 community colleges currently participating in the program, said TSA.

TSA said that with homeland security becoming one of the fastest growing educational disciplines, it is positioning its employees to excel among their peers in the field with the program.

“The Associates Program is an outstanding way for TSA to invest in our people and give them the tools they need to professionally grow in TSA and the greater homeland security field,” said TSA Deputy Administrator Gale Rossides. “This is an important step, not only in the career development of participating officers, but also for strengthening the security of our nation’s transportation systems.”